The market for used CNC machinery is an active one. New equipment is, as you likely know, quite costly. Oftentimes, the latest technology isn’t required for a shop to be able to continue focusing on its core competencies. When working out the return on investment, most buyers find that — even when factoring in refurbishments, repairs and a bit of time off the shelf life — a used CNC machine is what makes the most sense for them. If you’re interested in selling used CNC machines, you’re likely to find a receptive marketplace.
However, not all selling methods for used CNC machines are alike — and nor are all buyers or sellers alike. There are several primary methods of selling used CNC machines, each with different qualities, advantages and disadvantages. These methods are:
Direct-to-buyer/cash sale: In this method, you, as the seller, manage and facilitate every aspect of the sale. The responsibility for locating and vetting potential buyers lies with the seller, as does managing the invoicing and payment process. In this method, as with most others, the buyer or sale manager will be responsible for removing and transporting the purchased machine. While ensuring that all proceeds of the sale go directly to you, if you’re looking for a certain minimum price, this method can be time- and labor-intensive. If time is of the essence in this scenario, you are likely to receive a lower payment, with the benefit of the fastest sale and removal of your equipment.
Auction: This method would most often be facilitated by a third party via an online auction platform. With an auction, you are able to all but guarantee yourself the tightest timeline for the sale and fulfillment, though the sale price may be lower than would be expected with other methods.
Managed sale: In a managed sale, a third party manages every aspect of the sale, with the goal of getting a target price (or better!) for you. In a managed sale, additional services include prospecting, advertising, inspection facilitating and more. While this method can be time-consuming, it is a sure way to hit your target price for your machinery, while eliminating the labor on your part.
Tips for Selling Used CNC Machines
Regardless of which method you choose, a few tips can help make your CNC machine-selling experience easier and more successful:
Show what your machinery can do: High-quality photos of your CNC equipment can go a long way toward illustrating to potential buyers what exactly they’re getting. Even better than photos are videos of a machine in action — letting buyers see the quality they’re getting (and any potential areas for refurbishment or repair).
Document exhaustively: The more details you can include about your machine for sale, the better — especially nonstandard features and other information. Buyers don’t want to be surprised about any areas of wear and tear or other defects. Including as much information as possible can help you or your selling partner make sure you locate the exact right match in a buyer. Ask yourself: What would you want to know as a buyer before committing? Be sure to include all of those details.
Understand the best sales process for your needs: Do you want — or need — to get a piece of equipment out of your facility, whether due to a replacement on the way, a facility closing or other factor? Look at processes like a cash sale first. They may not fetch the highest dollar, but will ensure that your timing needs are met. If space or turnaround time isn’t a factor, a managed sale will likely work better for you — yielding a higher payout while the equipment remains on your floor as the perfect match is found.
Used CNC machine sales usually end up being a win-win for the buyer and seller. With these tips in hand — even if it’s your first experience selling CNC machinery — you’re well-equipped to meet all of your needs and find the right buyer.